New Haven Jan. 22^nd '62

 

Dear Father—

                        Your last, containing the check for $30.00, was duly received, for which, many thanks. It is Wed. evening, and I am seated in my room, by a good fire and light. It is very unfortunate for me that you always call when I am out. I assure you that I am not always out—nor is my fire. There has been a good fire except, of course, the one when you were in town. I trust things will look better when you come again. Mr. Oaks met me on the street yester- / -day, and told me his Mother was a good deal better, though not very strong yet, and the rest of the family as well as usual. We have been having a terrible ice-storm—No sun has shone upon us for nearly a week, and most of the time freezing rain has been falling. The trees are completely coated over with ice, and many fine elms have been very much injured by the breaking of limbs over-loaded with it. If the sun ever does bless our vision again New Haven will be the city of Diamonds. The weather has caused a good many colds, among the number afflicted, I may mention the President and myself. The former is detained from College duties—the latter is not, which, according to Prof. Thacher, argues that the latter is inspired with more of the student's true spirit than the former.

 

I am prospering well in my studies, and all parties are satisfied /

 

There seems to be a little ray of hope for the Country, now that the armies have begun to move. It is reported here, that M^cClellan is crossing the Potomac. If he, Gen. Burnside, and the Generals in the West, meet down in Dixie, there will be hot work on both sides. It is also reported, but not generally believed, that the rebels have evacuated Manassas—Have you heard anything from George. I trust it will prove to have been a good move for Frank to go to Port Royal. There is no doubt that he can make himself useful there in some way.

 

Perhaps Sallie told you what I wrote her about the article in the Bulletin on Frank's departure—the New Haven papers hail it after this fashion (I sent Sallie the extract—"Frank H. Ames, son of Hiram P. Ames of Norwich has received the appointment of Division QuarterMaster, Gen. Sherman's division, at Hilton Head, and will sail in the next steamer." / That is probably a good illustration of the reliability of the Press.

 

Appleton, formerly of my class, of whom you have heard me speak, has just been appointed Assistant Adjutant General to Gen. Abercrombie, Gen. Bank's Div. This is the largest Your aff son

Charles J. Arms.

 

[upside down]

 

Cha^s Jan 24/62

            R—

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